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The Bottom Line:
Good ergonomics and great seats are tempered with mediocre materials and some noise in the 2008 Saab 9-3.
Around The Web
“excelled in its ability to be average at everything”
dynamically capable premium compacts
the 9-3 rides quietly and lets you listen to the music
“Subpar interior materials”
SAFETY | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
No data available
NHTSA
Top Safety Pick
IIHS
Auto safety is a proud Swedish tradition
ForbesAutos
The Saab 9-3 2008 Convertible has an impressive list of safety features, according to specifications from the manufacturer and road tests researched by TheCarConnection.com.
At the time of this writing, the 9-3 Saab convertible has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Saab 9-3 Convertible for 2008 its coveted Top Safety Pick rating, saying it has "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability control."
Cars.com notes that the 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible has a long list of safety equipment, including side-impact airbag head extensions, active head restraints, traction control, an electronic stability system with all-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes (the Aero model of the 9-3 Saab gets slightly larger brake rotors), and electronic brake-force distribution.
According to ForbesAutos, "Auto safety is a proud Swedish tradition," and the Saab 9-3 Convertible is no exception. "Pop-up roll bars located behind the rear seat headrests deploy automatically if the car starts to flip." Kelley Blue Book adds that the Saab 9-3 2008 Convertible also has a tire pressure monitoring system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, engine immobilization, and GM's OnStar communications system; these features enhance the convertible's already comprehensive safety package.
With convertibles, blinds spots are seldom a problem with the top down, of course; however, a Detroit News review of the 2007 9-3 Saab convertible, which has much the same body as the 2008 model, reports "Visibility problems with the top up."
Conclusion
Although the 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible has not been crash-tested by the feds, the IIHS rates it a Top Safety Pick.
